Mar.3 (GMM) A spokesman for Emirates has denied speculation linking the Dubai based airline with title sponsorship of the rescued Honda F1 team.

We reported a rumour on Monday that the company, the eighth largest airline in the world, might back the Brackley based team in 2009 following reports of a Ross Brawn-led management buyout.

In the media recently, Emirates chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum has been quoted as strongly backing the concept of sports sponsorship: "We believe sponsorships are one of the best ways to connect with our passengers.

"They allow us to share and support their interests and to build a closer relationship with them."

But an Emirates spokesman is quoted as saying in the Dutch media: "We are currently not seeking new sponsorship agreements."